The action-horror genre is one of the most popular, with a number of terrific films to choose from. Some of them have a small but devoted following, while others are adored by big audiences. However, the way a picture is promoted is crucial. If this isn’t done correctly, the show’s audience could suffer as a result. This video will provide you with a list of outstanding action-horror films that have received poor marketing but are still worth seeing.
Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)
Alice awakens in a deserted hospital to find that the savage zombies she and the elite military squad fought had been released into the city. A small community of uninfected people lives in the heart of the destroyed metropolis that surrounds the hidden Umbrella Corporation facility.
These folks are trapped in a situation where they must fight for their lives against swarms of these zombie creatures. They are soon rescued by Alice and must fight for their lives. They have to flee before the Umbrella Corporation wipes its experiment from existence.
This action horror film, the second in the Resident Evil film series, was directed by Alexander Witt. It portrays a decent performance by Milla Jovovich and several thrilling, action-packed scenes. Viewers felt like it was slightly slow-paced, but its excellent camera work mostly shielded this.
The movie has a diverse set of characters, mainly with a questionable moral compass, but its intriguing plot keeps everyone glued to their screen. The script incorporates several black stereotypes that are showcased via Mike Epps. It has minimal instances of comedic moments to provide comic relief from its otherwise dark atmosphere.
But these constitute a negligible part of the film and are ingrained within the dialogue. The movies are based on the video game series, which certainly attracted the attention of gamers. However, some non-gamers thought they wouldn’t enjoy the film. Little did they know that it is an exciting movie worth watching.
The Crazies (2010)
Residents of Ogden Marsh, Iowa, morph into vicious psychopathic killers as the poisons spread. Sheriff David Dutton tries to make sense of his wife’s condition. The couple and two other local residents are the only ones who haven’t been infected, and they band together to battle for survival.
This replica of George Romero’s 1973 original was directed by Breck Eisner. It has a straightforward horror plot, which he performs without humorous one-liners or overtly sexualized sequences in a traditional manner. It maintains a tense atmosphere that fits the survival concept wonderfully, and the conversation is delivered well.
The actors portray great performances, without the film leaving any plot holes for the viewers to fill. After the first outbreak of insanity, Breck Eisner chillingly illustrates how the town’s social fabrication gets demolished with the snap of a finger. The movie is filled with scary moments, inventive gore, and subtle dark humour.
Its minimalist soundtrack stands strikingly effective. It is a classic remake where Eisner throws in a few thrilling surprises. Not to mention, its makeup, costume, and special effects blow viewers away. All in all, this film is a rare remake that is a treat for horror fans and a must-watch.
Predators (2010)
A troop of elite warriors find themselves in the middle of a jungle and learn they’ve been transported to another planet. A race of extraterrestrial hunters lives on this planet. The warriors are made up of people from diverse vocations and fields of competence. It is up to them to put an end to the hunters and depart from the planet.
The sheer force of this sci-fi action thriller directed by Nimrod Antal got high appreciation from spectators. Despite the fact that it is a remake of John McTiernan’s 1987 original, it features a fascinating plot and an ensemble cast of superb actors. Outstanding performances are given by Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, and Alice Braga.
The action sequences are well-choreographed, and the film contains flashes of visceral energy that keep viewers intrigued throughout. It includes a handful of exciting plot twists laid out carefully within a straightforward, entertaining, and visually appealing setting. It has top-notch special effects and remarkable cinematography that matched its tone.
The predators’ upgrade is an enjoyable addition to the plot and a refreshing change from the original sequels. All the characters have good chemistry with one another, and the film maintains the tension build-up just as well as its original counterpart. Finally, what viewers loved was the minimal use of CGI animation. Overall, it is a fantastic film that no one should miss.
The Hitcher (1986)
Jim Halsey, a young man from Chicago, is delivering a car to San Diego. Along the way, he is pursued by a cunning and determined serial killer who frames him for a series of killings. Jim is shortly pursued by the cops and followed by the assailant. A truck stop waitress is his only hope.
This action thriller, starring everyone’s favourite Rutger Hauer, is taut, unsettling, and brilliantly atmospheric. He plays an outstanding character displaying insane, psychotic tendencies, and he has a reputation for playing many unforgettable villains. He is supported by Thomas Howell, who delivers an equally applauding performance.
The film is well-paced with brilliant dialogue. It contains a thrilling cat and mouse dynamic between the two characters with sufficient violence. Eric Red writes a fantastic script, and Robert Harmon’s unique style of direction keeps the audience at the edge of their seat. Moreover, the film is extremely thought-provoking, causing viewers to exercise their minds without merely absorbing the storyline.
The music score is very subtle and ambient. Viewers claim that the film showcases a slight Hitchcockian undertone. The ambiguous ending leaves it open for interpretation and discussion by viewers, making it a must-watch.
Deep Rising (1998)
The world’s most luxurious cruise ship is invaded by a band of vicious hijackers. They are, however, astounded to learn that all of the passengers have inexplicably vanished. They quickly discover that something horrible lurks in the shadows, even though they believe they are the only ones on board. They are soon confronted with a lethal power lurking in the ocean’s uncharted depths, grabbing them one by one.
Stephen Sommers’ action horror flick is a cliché-ridden, predictable treasure, but audiences enjoy it regardless. There are a few one-liners and comedy puns in it that make people laugh. The horror scenes are more gruesome than scary. Treat Williams, Famke Janssen, and Kevin O’Conner deliver brilliant performances amongst the film’s decent action sequences.
It has good special effects that complement its flawless climax. Although it is a tongue-in-cheek B-movie, it still displays a dark atmosphere with a creepy tone. The likable characters sway the audience, and the terrifying creature enhances the film’s intrigue. Overall, if viewers seek a relaxing popcorn flick that is not too thought-provoking, this is the perfect watch.
The Last Witch Hunter (2015)
In a modern environment, witches coexist with mankind. They are ruthless supernatural beings intent on bringing the Black Death to the rest of the planet. Witch hunters from all around the world travel to find and confront these witches. Kaulder, a warrior, kills Queen Witch, who is all-powerful, and decimates her in the process.
She curses him with her immortality in the moments before she dies. In the afterlife, this separates him from his loving wife and daughter. Throughout the decades, Kaulder has been the sole witch hunter. He is unaware that the Queen Witch has revived after several years and seeks vengeance on her killer.
This fantasy action film was directed by Breck Eisner. It includes some scenes set in the Middle Ages, although it is primarily set in modern-day New York. It contains an ensemble cast of Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood, and Michael Caine. Each one of them portrays outstanding performances.
It has breathtaking cinematography, with Vin Diesel’s Kaulder being a character of great depth. He displays utmost restraint and compassion, moving the audience with his role. Moreover, it is a refreshing change from his usual rough and aggressive demeanour during past roles. Although the setup might be seemingly cliché, the witches are portrayed to be multidimensional, intriguing characters.
It is a film with excellent special effects, and the magic is mostly nature oriented. With beautiful, brightly lit visuals, Breck Eisner adds his hint of enhanced action, taking the drama up a few notches. It contains memorable scenes like certain dream visions and is a remarkable movie that would appeal to horror and fantasy buffs alike.
Vampires (1998)
For a long time, the church has been aware of the existence of vampires. It is found, however, that a group of them is looking for a powerful doom for mankind. The Vatican assembles a covert vampire-hunting force, directed by Jack Crow. Before they can retrieve the crucifix, they must track down and slay this group of vampires.
This Neo-western action-horror directed by John Carpenter is based on a novel by John Steakley. This film uses old-school special effects, which is a welcome departure from the rapidly-emerging CGI animation. Although the plot might seem clichéd, the actors portray great performances giving the audience a set of memorable characters.
This fantastic popcorn entertainment blows viewers away, not just because of John Carpenter’s out of the world direction but also because of its thrilling atmosphere and storyline. It is a well-paced movie with great action-packed scenes and a hint of dark comedy. It showcases perfect cinematography with a rich mixture of visual and non-visual storytelling.
The dialogue is engagingly humorous. Several deeply moving scenes amongst the action and horror add a poignant touch to the plot. Overall, this movie is an underrated gem that only suffered due to bad marketing but is worth a watch.
Maggie (2015)
Wade discovers his daughter Maggie in a hospital’s quarantine section after searching for her for several weeks. She’s been afflicted with a deadly virus that turns its victims into zombies. Wade’s buddy, the doctor, releases her to spend the last few days of her life with her family. Wade insists on staying close to Maggie throughout her transition to protect her, while her stepmother sends the smaller children to live with her sister. Wade will have to make a difficult decision shortly, according to Dr. Vern.
In this great post-apocalyptic horror film, veteran Arnold Schwarzenegger exhibits the highest depth and emotion. It emphasises dramatic human themes that are uncommon in a zombie feature picture. The transformation into a zombie is a slow, drawn-out process in this narrative and very well executed by Henry Hobson in his debut. It thrives on the theme of humanity slowly draining away.
Although this is portrayed in a literal sense in the movie, it can also be interpreted metaphorically. Moreover, it exhibits several subtexts, like the acceptance of aging and learning to let go of things. Unlike his previous roles during his glory days that showed him as the ultimate macho man, seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger play a melancholic father was a surprisingly welcome change.
Abigail Breslin, who plays Maggie, also displays an applauding performance, eliciting sufficient sympathy. Unfortunately, the film’s promotion might have given them the wrong impression that it would be a zombie flick with Schwarzenegger running around in action and saving the world. This significantly hurt its viewership. In reality, it displays a dark tone with the beautiful relationship between father and daughter, and is a must-watch.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)
When Abraham Lincoln is 19 years old, he watches his mother being murdered by a vampire named Jack Barts. He tries to murder Jack a decade later and encounters Henry Sturgess in the process, who teaches him how to fight and kill vampires. Abe strikes a pact with Henry that he will only kill vampires who are directed to him.
He eventually relocates to Springfield, where he studies law during the day and works as a store clerk at night while fighting vampires. Many years later, when he becomes President of the United States, he discovers that vampires are battling the confederates. As a result, he embarks on a crusade to overthrow them.
This Tim Burton film was directed by Timur Bekmambetov and is based on the 2010 mash-up novel. Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead star in this picture, which has an outstanding overall cast. Each one of them displays remarkable performances.
The plot flows in a well-paced manner and is simple yet fascinating. It’s over the top action sequences are thrilling, bloody, and well-executed. If watching vampires getting killed in creative ways is your forte, this movie will certainly serve as entertaining. Its most interesting aspect, that viewers enjoyed is the combination of a horror fantasy genre in a non-fictional setting.
Although the premise starts on a serious note, it later transitions into goofy and comedic. It portrays unintentional yet likable corny dialogue and great 3D special effects. This succeeds in delivering a decent mix of depth and gimmicky moments. Overall, this ridiculous yet engrossing action-horror flick is a must-watch for everyone.